Thermoelectric generator for windscreen washer of motor vehicle - recovers waste heat from exhaust manifold for electric heating of elements in water reservoir and tubes

摘要

Water (3) in the windscreen washer reservoir (2) is heated in situ by an element (7), while the tubes (18) supplying the washer nozzles (4) are also heated by current from the thermoelectric generator (6) on the outside of the exhaust manifold (24). Thermoelectric modules (8) in series can supply 3 W at 14V with a temp. difference of 230 to 30 deg. C.. Cooling fins (5) protrude from the generator (6) into the slipstream of the vehicle. A thermostate (23) operates the nozzle heater switch (14). ADVANTAGE - Energy available from the vehicle is utilised in simple manner to protect washer against freezing.